Use of Digital library Software for Building Institutional Repository in Public and Private University Libraries of Bangladesh: A Study

Abstract

This study aims to suggest good and useful IR software for university libraries of Bangladesh. The study discusses the present conditions of IR of the university libraries of Bangladesh as well as finds out the systems and services provided by the sampled university libraries. The objectives of the study were to find out the advancement of IR in university libraries; to find out the present scenario of digital preservation through IR in higher educational institutions of Bangladesh; to specify the sectors and divisions of university libraries needed to be well identified to implement the proposed IR Software; to assess the requirements for ensuring open access to university scholarly publications; to conduct a comparative study on public and private university libraries, to develop a model plan for IR system in university libraries of Bangladesh; to find out barriers and limitations of the issues; and to put recommendations and concluding remarks.

A survey was conducted to gather information from the sample university libraries. Out of 147 universities only 17 public and private university libraries have been selected purposively as a sample to conduct the study. Data have been collected by two sets of structured questionnaires, unstructured interviews of the senior professionals, observation and field visit of the sample universities to uncover the situation. The research finds that present condition of university libraries (public and private) of Bangladesh is not satisfactory level to fulfill the need and demand of the users in the field of open access in research publications of higher education. The findings of the study have been presented with 08 chapters, 51 tables, and 23 figures/charts with detailed explanations. The researcher feels a larger percentage of the universities and its stakeholders may have participated but due to some constraints that was not possible. The universities’ central library was conducted in the research not including seminar and institutional libraries.

This research explains the features of most IR software system used around the world to suggest the university libraries of Bangladesh. Important phases have been included to ensure the OA through IR system in university publications so that university libraries can improve their present conditions and new libraries can find the right route from the start. Finally, the research opens the options not only for ensuring an effective guideline for policy makers of the government but also university authorities of all types will get helpful directions to modify their current situation. The researchers from the point of view of OA & IR will identify new possibilities toward further research.